The Formula 1 season has kicked off with George Russell clinching victory in Melbourne. Fans are in for an exciting year as the F1 calendar will span across various countries in 2026. Sky has just announced a significant TV enhancement for its customers, aiming to elevate the live sports viewing experience.
The upcoming update will bring a fresh interactive dimension to viewers. Sky is set to introduce a smart sidebar feature during race weekends, offering access to Race Control and Recap for quick replays of thrilling overtakes and pivotal moments. Additionally, fans can easily track live in-race standings through this feature.
In addition to increased interactivity during races, the update will introduce specialized driver and team pages. These pages will grant fans access to onboard cameras, enriched race data, informative content, and improved navigation on the homepage.
To access these new features, Sky Sports subscribers using Sky Glass, Sky Stream, and Sky Q devices will receive them for free. Although an exact launch date is yet to be confirmed, the rollout is anticipated later in the season, ensuring existing Sky Sports subscribers enjoy the added benefits at no extra charge.
Formula 1 enthusiasts can catch every practice, qualifier, and race live by opting for Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, currently offered at a discounted price saving £336. This bundle not only includes Sky Sports but also grants access to around 100 TV channels and complimentary subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+.
Sky, in an email statement to Express.co.uk, highlighted the introduction of a new immersive sidebar for TV viewing during race weekends as part of the 2026 upgrades. Apart from the F1 enhancements, Sky has revealed a new Ultimate TV subscription plan that bundles major streaming services at a reduced monthly rate of £24.
The Ultimate TV plan incorporates Netflix Standard with Ads, Disney+ Standard with Ads (effective from March), HBO Max Basic with Ads (starting March 26), Hayu (available from July, with select shows accessible from March), and over 130 Sky channels. This comprehensive package offers exceptional value by consolidating approximately £20 worth of streaming services into one unified platform.